Let’s not sugarcoat it, Buckeye Nation. The air in Columbus these days is a funky mix of spring practice optimism and the lingering sting of what could have been. For the Ohio State Buckeyes football program, the standard isn’t just winning. It’s not even just beating Michigan. The standard is hoisting the big one, the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy. And lately, it’s felt just out of reach, a perpetual case of “almost” that’s driving one of America’s most passionate fanbases a little bit nuts.
We’re talking about Ohio State football, a machine that pumps out 10-win seasons like a factory line, a program so rich in talent that its second string could start for most Top 25 teams. Yet, the last national title was a decade ago. The last win over “The Team Up North” was in 2019. For a fanbase that lives and dies with every snap, that’s an eternity. So, what’s the deal? Is the foundation cracking, or is Ohio State simply a sleeping giant on the cusp of waking up and smashing everything in its path?
The “Next Man Up” Engine That Could (But Has It?)
The ethos of Ohio State Buckeyes football has always been “next man up.” The program recruits at a dizzying level, consistently landing top-five classes. When a star like C.J. Stroud or Jaxon Smith-Njigba heads to the NFL, another five-star phenom is waiting in the wings. This system is the envy of college football. But critics are starting to whisper: Has the machine become too robotic?
There’s a feeling among some pundits and fans that in the crucible of the biggest games—those season-defining clashes against Michigan and in the playoff—pure talent isn’t enough. It’s about grit, a killer instinct, and sometimes, a little bit of luck. The last two losses to Michigan were brutal, old-school football beatdowns. The Buckeyes got out-toughed. That’s a sentence that stings more than any playoff loss in the heart of Ohio State territory.
“It’s a mental hurdle now,” says longtime Columbus sports radio host, Mike “Buckshot” Thompson. “The talent gap, if there ever was one, is gone. These games are won in the trenches and between the ears. Ryan Day knows it, the players know it. The question is, how do you flip the script? You can’t just X and O your way out of this one. You gotta have some dog in you.”
The Transfer Portal: Blessing, Curse, or Game-Changer?
Enter the new wild west of college football: the transfer portal. And brother, Ohio State has been playing it like a fiddle this offseason. While they’ve lost pieces, they’ve also pulled off some jaw-dropping acquisitions that have the whole college football world talking.
The headline grabber? Quarterback Will Howard, the seasoned Kansas State transfer. He’s not just an arm; he’s a 6-foot-5, 240-pound bruiser who can run. After years of sublime pocket passers, Howard brings a physical, dual-threat dimension that could completely change Ohio State’s offensive calculus. Then there’s the home run: landing star Alabama safety Caleb Downs. This kid is a certified stud, a day-one starter who fills a glaring need in the secondary. Add in Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins, and suddenly, you’re not just plugging holes—you’re building a superteam.
“This ain’t your older brother’s Ohio State,” says ESPN analyst and former Buckeye Kirk Herbstreit. “Ryan Day looked at the last two years, especially the physicality question, and went straight to the portal for answers. Howard brings toughness. Judkins is a workhorse. Downs is a game-wrecker on defense. They’ve addressed needs with proven, elite players. It’s a whole new vibe.”
The Ryan Day Conundrum: Genius or Overthinker?
No discussion about the future of Ohio State Buckeyes football is complete without a deep dive into Head Coach Ryan Day. His regular-season record is absurdly good, among the best winning percentages in the history of the sport. He’s an offensive savant who develops quarterbacks for the NFL. Yet, the big-game narrative is starting to stick.
The heat isn’t about whether he’s a good coach—he clearly is—but whether he’s the right coach to break through the championship ceiling. Some fans groan that he outsmarts himself in big moments, opting for a cute trick play instead of bulldozing with his stable of blue-chippers. The play-calling duties have been shuffled, with Chip Kelly now in the booth. This feels like a make-or-break year for Day’s legacy. Can the CEO adapt and unleash a more ruthless version of his team?
“The pressure in Columbus is unlike anywhere else,” says former Buckeye and NFL star Chris Spielman. “Ryan feels it. The players feel it. But let’s be real: you look at the roster they’ve assembled, it’s championship or bust. No more excuses. They have the dudes. Now they gotta go out and prove it on the field, particularly on November 30th.”
The 2024 Season: A National Championship or Bust Campaign
The schedule sets up for a monster year. The non-conference slate is tough but manageable. The Big Ten schedule is the new, expanded gauntlet with Oregon, Penn State, and of course, Michigan all on the docket. The entire season will be a build-up to “The Game,” which this year is in Columbus. The phrase “must-win” gets thrown around loosely, but for Ohio State football in 2024, it truly applies to that rivalry game.
The offensive line, often the unsung hero, needs to gel and dominate. The defense, under coordinator Jim Knowles, needs to be more than just improved; it needs to be championship-level nasty, a unit that wins games on its own. And Will Howard needs to be the steady, playmaking leader this offense has sometimes lacked in its biggest moments.
The vibe around the Woody Hayes Athletic Center is different this spring. It’s less entitled, more edge. The portal additions bring a hunger from outside the “Ohio State bubble.” There’s a sense of urgency that transcends the usual offseason chatter.
The Bottom Line for Buckeye Nation
So, what are we left with? A program at a fascinating crossroads. The resources, the talent, and the ambition are all at a historic peak. The 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes football roster, on paper, might be the most complete and talented in the entire country. But college football isn’t played on paper.
The story of this season will be about transforming immense potential into cold, hard results. It’s about exorcising the demons of the last three Novembers. It’s about Ryan Day silencing his critics with a run that doesn’t just get to the playoff, but wins it all.
For Buckeye Nation, a fanbase that bleeds scarlet and gray, the wait has been long enough. The hype train is leaving the station, fueled by portal fireworks and pent-up frustration. This fall, we find out if it’s destined for glory or another heartbreaking derailment. One thing’s for sure: all of college football will be watching.
FAQs: Your Ohio State Buckeyes Football Questions, Answered
Q1: Is Will Howard definitely the starting quarterback for Ohio State?
A: While nothing is officially set until fall camp, all indications point to yes. His experience, physical skillset, and fit for what the coaches want to do this season give him a significant edge over talented freshmen like Julian Sayin and Air Noland.
Q2: Why is the Michigan game such a big deal for Ohio State football?
A: Beyond being one of sports’ greatest rivalries, it has recently become the gateway to the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff. Losing three straight has cost Ohio State conference titles and playoff berths, making it the single biggest obstacle to their national championship goals.
Q3: What is “The Game” and when is it in 2024?
A: “The Game” is the nickname for the annual Ohio State vs. Michigan football rivalry. In 2024, it will be played on Saturday, November 30th, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. This is the first time since 2019 the game will be in Columbus.
Q4: How has the new 12-team College Football Playoff affected Ohio State’s strategy?
A: It provides a larger margin for error. While winning the Big Ten is still the primary goal, a one- or even two-loss Ohio State team will almost certainly make the 12-team field. This could lessen the “do-or-die” pressure of the Michigan game, but for this program, beating Michigan remains the non-negotiable emotional benchmark.
Q5: Who are the key players to watch on the 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes football team?
A: On offense: QB Will Howard, RB Quinshon Judkins, and WR Emeka Egbuka. On defense: S Caleb Downs, DE JT Tuimoloau, and LB Cody Simon. This roster is stacked with NFL talent at every level.
Q6: Can Ryan Day’s job really be in danger if they don’t win a national title?
A: Given his record and recruiting, his job is likely secure. However, another loss to Michigan and/or missing the expanded playoff would turn the pressure up to an extreme level and lead to serious questions about the program’s direction under his leadership.